Coal and rock separating mechanism



March 12; 1929. T. KATAYAMA 1,705,456

COAL AND ROCK sznnnmq macumisn Filed larch '7, 1924' 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 ey j March 12, 1929. '1"... KATAYAMA 1,705,456

GUALAND RGCK SEPARAT'INGMECHANISM with keg March 12, 1929. T. KATAYAMA con. AND ROCK mmmg pqgzcnAux-su Filed llamh- 7, 1924 3- Sheets-Sheet Patented Mar. 12, 1929.

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'roYoJIRo KATAYAIMA, or srnnnnanvrmn, UTAEL}.

COAL AND BOOK SEPARATING MECHANISM.

Application filed March 7, 1924. Serial No. 697,640.

This invention relates to a method and apparatus for separating stone and slate from coal and particularly where the" coal is broken into small sizes as is customary at 'collieries.

In some collieries, at the present time, it is the custom to pass the coal on conveyors or chutes past pickers who, by hand remove the slate and stone as the coal passes them. This method is not satisfactory for the rea son that it is expensive and also for the reason that the human element enters too much into the efliciency of the work. In case of labor trouble, the efficiency of the work is greatly impaired. W I

In other collieries, it is the custom to dump the coal into vats containing water, the coal being agitated under water, to cause the denser objects as rock and slate to fall to the bottom thus causing the less dense coal to rise to the top. The coal is thentaken off by suitable conveyors. This system is inadequate to meet the needs since it is expensive to operate and at some places, water, in large quantities, is not available.

The primary ObjGOtfOf my invention is the provision of anapparatus which will effectively remove the rock and slate from coal and which will be free of the human element, cheap to operate and not expen sive to construct.

Another object of my invention is the provision of a methodof separating stone from coal wherein the mixture is dumped from oneconveyor to another conveyor arranged angularly to the first, the coal having a tendency to'go to the far side of'the conveyor to which it is delivered, the stone dropping on-the near side, thereby separating the coal and stone from each other, the stone and coal then being conducted to their respective piles. 7

Another and still further object of my invention is the provision of an apparatus for separating stone and coal comprising a series of coacting conveyors, the arrangement of the conveyors being such that a conveyor delivering to another conveyor will be arranged at an angle thereto.

Another and still further object of my invention is the provision in such an appa ratus of means for conducting the coal away from the separating apparatus at the proper time.

Referring to the drawing where I have illustrated an embodiment of my invention,

Fig. 1 is an elevation of an apparatus constructed according to my invention,

Fig. 2 is a cross section looking downwardly substantially on the line 2- -2 of Fig. 1 and showing theevolution of the distribution of the coal and stone as it passes through the several stages of separation.

Fig. 8 is a partial cross section looking downwardly substantially on the line"3 3 of Fig. 1 and showing the means for taking off the coal at the side of the conveyor B".

Fig. 4 is a detail view of one of thecon veyors,

Fig. 5 is a perspective View showing the supporting means for the conveyor B and the means for adjusting the angular-ityof the same,

Fig. 6 is a detail view showing the drive connectionsfor one of the conveyors, the gear housing cover being removed to show the interior thereof, I

Fig. 7 is a diagrammatic View showing the conveyor arrangement at the delivery end of the system.

The same reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several figures and where similar details occur in different conveyor constructions, they are giventhe samereferencecharacters.

In the embodiment illustrated .in the drawing, I have shown the conveyors arranged in such a manner that the material travels "substantially in a spiral. I have found that this is a convenient construction to accomplish the desired results, for the reason that the same framework may be used for all of the conveyorsof the separator proper and also for the reason that since the coal has a tendency due tothe shape of its component parts to pass to the outer side of the conveyor to which it 1s dehvered in each instance, each successive conveyor must bear a similar relation to its preceding ele-' vator as every other bears to its preceding elevator.

In the drawings, I have shown a conveyor i A which delivers the unseparated mixture to the first of a series of twelve separating conveyors which I have designated B B B 13 ,13 13, B 13*, B", B B B1 respectively, all of the latter conveyors being supported by the framework C.

Before describing in detail the operation of the separating mechanism as a whole, I will describe in detail one of the conveyors. Since the details of construction of the several conveyors, except as hereinafter noted, are substantially the same, only one conveyor will be thus described.

Referring particularly to Fig. 4, B is a conveyor which is supported by the frame C and to which the coal and stone are delivered from the conveyor B The belt is supported by two large end rollers 1.1 and supportedin position to scrape off particles of coal, stone and excess water where water is used in the tank and to scrape 0a particles of stone and coal where the water is not used, the particles of stone and coal dropping into the tank 19, as well as the excess water when water is used.

Referring particularly to Fig. 6, 30 designates the end of the shaft which supports the roller 12 (Fig l) and to which the said roller 12 is secured. A worm gear 81 is mounted on the end of the shaft 30 and is driven by a worm 32. The worm 32 is mounted on a shaft 33 which turns with the armature of a suitable electric motor supported by the frame (1- Referring particularly to 2, it will be seen that I have indicated the paths of travel of the minerals of different density bydash lines of different width. The paths of travel of the stone'have been indicated by the heavy lines, the paths of travel of the slate by medium width lines and the paths of travel of the coal by the light lines.

In addition to the relative weight, the shapes of the stone, slate and coal have an effect on their distribution on the successive conveyors. The coal is more or less rounded as well as lighter than the stone and slate and for this reason, rolls to the far side while the stone and slate which are heavier and have fiat surfaces have a tendency to remain on the near sides of the respective successive conveyors.

In addition, there will be small particles of coal which will be carried from one conveyor to another with the slate. For the sake of clearness, this small coal has not been indicated. Its separation will be described later. i

' The mixture is delivered to the conveyor B from the conveyor A, as it comes from the breakers, the pieces which make up the mixture being preferably of substantially the; same size. and being mixed so that neitherthe stone, slate nor coal occupy any particular relation to either edge of the conveyor. This is clearly shown by the illustration of the path of travel of the stone at 10, I

' A and B.

As the i nixture leavesthe end of the conveyor B, it will be noted that the paths 40, Al and 42 take new positions upon the conveyor B and "that these paths tend to take a separated position, the coal tending to move to the outside or far side of the conveyor I3 relative to the conveyor B the stone tending to take a path on the inner or near side of the conveyor B and the slate tending to take a position near the center line of the conveyor between the stone and coal. I

As the ends 6 B etc., are successively passed and delivery is made to the next succeeding conveyor, the tendency for the stone, slate and coal to separate, continuesdu'e to their relative densities until it has been sailicien'tly separated to warrant the delivery, of the same. The number'of conveyorsnccessary for this process to bring about such a result is dependent upon the conditions such as the amount of stoneand slate in the coal and the shape, proportions, speed, etc, of the conveyors.- In the present instance, I have assumed that the separation wouldbe sufis ciently complete to draw off part of the coal as it is, delivered to the conveyor B Accordingly, I have provided a chute-l5 on the outside of the conveyorB and at a place opposite to the delivery end .5 of the conveyor B It will be noted fronrFig. 3 that the coal as it tends to rest on the far or outside of the conveyor B, will enter the chute 45'and be conducted to its proper place of storage. The edge of the chute extends under the edge of the flexible belt of the conveyor B as indicated in dotted lines in Fig.3.

coal. to the chute 45, I provide a door or gate 4'16 which is shown on Figs. 3 and 6.

As the details of construction of the chute form no part of the present invention, the further details of the same will not. be described. The showing of a chute at the side of the conveyor B is merely illustrative. Although a chute may be provided at the side of any or all conveyors where the separated minerals are delivered, the showing and description of others would be needless repetition and I perhaps confusing. Consequently such showing and description have conveyor B opposite the delivery end ofthe conveyor B is cut away and a chute 47 In order to control at willthe passage of I provided which is similar in construction to the chute 45 attached to the conveyor B.

I have made provision for changing the relative height between the outer and inner edges of the conveyor B. The inner edge of the conveyor is pivoted atits inner side as byhinged supports 50 which permit of "the adjustment from a horizontal position to a position where the outer edge is somewhat lower than the inner edge. The outer side is supported by suitable adjusting means as the crank screw 51, which is threaded in the block 52 and carries at its lower end the flexible member 53 which is attached at its lower end to the side of the conveyor. By this means, the adjustment of the angula-rity of the conveyor is accomplished.

I will now describe the purpose of this placingof the conveyor at an angle. If by one or more chutes 45, the coal has been separated, from the mixture, then, it has been found to be desirable to remove the large pieces of rock from the conveyor, while still retaining the slate or flat pieces of stone; This is for the reason that there is with the slate, as already indicated, a certain amount of very small flat pieces of 'coal which have fuel value and from which it is easier to separate the slate if the large round pieces of rock have been first removed.

When the rock, slate and very small coal are discharged from the conveyor B the slope of the conveyor belt toward the side,

induces the round pieces of stone to'roll into the chute 47, while the flat pieces are carried upwardly to the conveyor B. The small pieces of coal stick to the conveyor B more effectively when the latter is used in a wet condition as already described.

The slate, small rock and very small coal pass up the conveyor 12 and are delivered to the conveyor B Referring now to Fig. 7, it will be clear that after passing down the conveyor B the very small pieces of stone, slate and coal will pass between the end of the con veyor and the-edge of the bottom of thechute B and will be delivered to the proper pile. The larger pieces of rock and slate will pass over the opening between the conveyor and the end of the chute B and then conducted away to the desired place.

While I have described and shown embodiments of my invention in detail, I desire to have it understood that I do not limit myself to the exact showing and that modifications and changes may be made without departing from the spirit of my invention and within the scope of the appended claims. Having'described my invention, what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

1. An apparatus for separating coal from stone and slate comprising a series of enclless conveyors, each conveyor receiving niaterialfrom another conveyor being at a substantial angle thereto, the angle being measured ina horizontalplane, one of the con veyors-having an opening opposite to the end of the conveyor delivering material thereto.

2. An apparatus for separating coal from stone and slate comprising a series of endless conveyors, each conveyor deliveringto its successive conveyor and arranged at substantially a right angle thereto, a plurality oi. conveyors having openings opposite to the delivery ends of the respective preceding conveyors.

' 3. An apparatus for separating'coal from stone and slate coniprisinga series of endless conveyors, each conveyor receiving material from another conveyor and being at a substantial angle thereto, a plurality of the conveyors having'openings opposite the delivery ends of the respective preceding conveyors, the receiving end of each conveyor carrying the material away from the delivery end of the preceding conveyor in substantially the same direction relative to the position of the delivering conveyor and chutes opposite the openings.

4.. An apparatus for separating coal from stone and slate comprising a series of endless conveyors, each conveyor receiving material from another conveyor being at a substantial angle thereto, and means for sup-, porting one side of one of the conveyors at a lower level than its opposite side.

5. An apparatus for separating coal from stoneand slate, comprising a series of endless conveyors, each arranged in an inclined position and driven so that the upper run thereof travels upwardly, the conveyors being arranged so that the longitudinal axis of each conveyor is" transverse to the longitudinal axis of the next conveyor and so that each conveyor except the uppermost is adapted 'to discharge material from its upper end-on to the lower end of the next conveyor, means for delivering material to be separated on to the lowermost conveyor, and meansfor discharging separated material from the uppermost conveyor.

(5. An apparatus forseparating coal from stone and slate, comprising 'a series of endless conveyors, each arranged in an inclined position and driven so that the upper run thereof travels upwardly, the conveyors being arranged so that vertical planes passing through the longitudinal axes of the 'conveyors form a closed geometrical figure and so that each of a plurality of conveyors is adapted to discharge material from its upper end onto the lower end of the next conveyor, means for delivering material to be separated on to the lowermost conveyor, and ineans'for discharging separated material from the uppermost conveyor and also at a plurality of points respectively opposite the discharge ends of a plurality of intermediate conveyors.

7. An apparatus for separating coal from stone and slate comprising a series of endless conveyors each arranged in an inclined position and driven so that the upper run thereof travels upwardly; the conveyors being arranged about a vertical axis with the discharge end of each conveyor, except the upoermost, over the lower end of the next succeeding conveyor, so that material deposited on the lowermost conveyor will be carried npwardiy in a path Winding about said axis, means for delivering material to be separated on to the lowermost conveyor and means for discharging separated mate rial from the uppermost conveyor and also at a point opposite the discharge end of an intermediate conveyor.

8. An apparatus for separating coal from 2 stone and slate comprising a series of endless conveyors each conveyor except the last of the series being arranged to dischargematerial transversely on to the next conveyor,

means for delivering material to be separated on to the first conveyor of the serles and TOYOJIRO KATAYAMAi 

